|  | 2.1 | Various LAN Communication Problems
| 2.1.1 | Factors that impact network performance
Today's LANs are becoming increasingly congested and overburdened. In addition to an ever-growing population of network users, several other factors have combined to expand the capabilities of traditional LANs: The multitasking environment present in current desktop operating systems (Windows, Unix and Mac) allows for simultaneous network transactions. This increased capability has lead to stronger demand for network resources. Faster operating systems-With the three most common desktop operating systems (Windows, UNIX, and Mac) being able to multitask, users are able to initiate simultaneous network transactions. With the release of Windows 95, which reflected a redesign of DOS/Windows that includes multitasking, PC users are able to increase their demands for network resources. While the use of network-intensive applications such as the World Wide Web is increasing, client/server applications allow administrators to centralize information, thus making it easy to maintain and protect. Client/server applications free users from the burden of maintaining information and the cost of providing enough hard disk space to store it. Given the cost benefit of client/server applications, such applications are likely to become even more widely used in the future.
| Web Links
| Cisco Connection Online
| Cisco Documentation
| Search Cisco